Draft
Nothing beats drafting disappointed after disappointing with yet another 1-2 finish. I did not make good choices here. Though I do have a glorious track record of being despondent over decks that end up going 3-0. So maybe the jinx will work. (Note: it will never work if you’re counting on it)
P2p2: Do I take Shock over Spectral Sailor? In vacuum, the Sailor is way more powerful, but I’m already leaning aggro. Do I drop it?
P3p1: Scampering Scorcher vs. Cloudkin Seer
P3p6: I think I definitely should have gone Shock over Uncaged Fury. When you’re highest power is 2, the Fury might not be enough.
P3p8: I can’t defend picking a third-pack bow over Bird Grabber (which is a sad state of affairs for this deck)
CMU over on the Lords of Limited Discord had some great feedback on how I committed way too early to red.
Deck
Results
- Round 1 vs RG: I didn’t draw any blue mana for decades but, incredibly enough, they flooded out and didn’t have anything to cast. In game 2, a turn-3 Thrashing Brontodon stopped me cold. But oppo didn’t get any red mana and Tectontic Rift (the Falter card) pushed through 12 points of damage in an Alpha Strike.
- Round 2: open a dream hand (Stormkin + Axe) but oppo had a perfect curve out into Master Splicer at 4 while I flooded a touch. A Bone Splinter on my only thread pretty much finished it smoothly. Game 2 went in a very similar fashion, complete with the minor flood. Eventually, they handled my only threat (Stormkin + Axe)
- Round 3 vs UB: ugh, did not want to play three rounds with this deck but FINE. Oppo got stuck on mana (three swamps) and then Lotus Field (?) while Bone Splinter-ing to take care of rando dudes. I pull that one out. Game 2 stalled out and got overwhelmed. Game 3 I go REAL wide real quick and just overran them.
Learnings
I cannot believe that went 2-1. Definitely a lot of luck to that. Most importantly, don’t draft when tired. Don’t over-commit to a color. Lightning Stormkin is the truth, but it is not easy for find a deck for it.
Benalish Dad 